 Congressman Lamar Smith
Guest Commentary Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered new lines drawn that returned the Hill Country counties of Kerr, Kendall, Bandera and Real to the 21st Congressional District. I now represent those counties plus Blanco, Comal, and portions of Bexar and Travis counties, and I maintain district offices in San Antonio, Austin and Kerrville. A position I’m honored to have been chosen for is the ranking member on House Judiciary Committee. In this new role, I serve as a spokesman for the Republican Caucus and will help shape the party’s policy on issues before the committee. This committee is special because it is the guardian of the Constitution – the document that holds our democracy together. In the coming months, the committee may address several controversial issues that would have a significant impact on the future of our district and our nation. One issue is that of immigration reform. Americans recognize that our current system is broken and in desperate need of repair. The cost to taxpayers is high and will continue to rise if not addressed. Another important immigration and national security related is the secure ID requirement in the REAL ID legislation that Congress passed in 2005. REAL ID is important legislation because it prevents terrorists from getting drivers’ licenses by requiring applicants provide proof they are in the country legally. REAL ID requires that in order for a state’s drivers’ licenses and/or identification cards to be used for federal identification purposes (to board a plane, enter a federal building, etc), the licenses and cards must comply with the security standards set out in the legislation. Some states, including Texas, are close to complying with the REAL ID requirements. Please feel free to contact me with questions and concerns. You can receive updates about my legislation and new information by signing up for my e-newsletter at lamarsmith.house.gov. People can contact my San Antonio office at 1100 NE Loop 410, Suite 640, San Antonio, TX 78209 and by calling 821-5024.
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